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The weStroke Action Nigeria (SAN) has urged Nigerians to recognise warning signs and seek immediate medical attention, warning that delays could cost lives and leave survivors with lifelong disabilities.
The organisation made the call as it the country joins the global community today to mark 2026 World Stroke Day, as it prepares to take its #ActFAST campaign to the streets to educate the public on recognising stroke symptoms and responding promptly.
Under the theme, “Know the Signs. #ActFAST. Every Minute Counts,” SAN is collaborating with the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), Rotaract Club and other partners to raise awareness of stroke signs, symptoms and the urgent actions required when an attack occurs.
Chief Executive of SAN and WSO Board Member, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, said stroke awareness must go beyond knowing the symptoms to understanding what to do and acting without delay when someone develops them.
Melifonwu, also a member of the WSO Taskforce on Prehospital Care, said the organisation’s position paper on prehospital care describes this approach as “Stroke Action Awareness”.
She explained that recognising stroke symptoms without taking immediate action could undermine the chances of timely treatment and recovery.
The #ActFAST campaign will highlight four common warning signs: facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and the need to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
SAN warned that anyone experiencing these symptoms should not wait for them to disappear or resort to home remedies before seeking medical care.
The campaign will also address stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, while encouraging Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles.
As part of efforts to build lasting awareness, SAN has engaged students in four secondary schools through its Stroke Champions School Engagement Programme, equipping young people with knowledge of stroke symptoms, prevention and early intervention.
The initiative encourages students to share lifesaving information with their families, friends and communities, helping to build a generation capable of recognising stroke and responding appropriately.
Melifonwu, a Nurse Consultant in Stroke Rehabilitation, also welcomed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) resolution on stroke rehabilitation adopted in May 2026, saying it underscored the importance of rehabilitation in the recovery of stroke survivors.
She stressed that the emphasis on prehospital care and rehabilitation reinforced the need for sustained public education, timely intervention and support for survivors beyond the immediate emergency.
According to her, SAN has been advancing these priorities since 2012, with its work leading to the establishment of five Life After Stroke Centres (LASCs) across four states in Nigeria.
The centres support efforts to address the needs of stroke survivors and strengthen access to life-after-stroke services.
While the WSD is commemorated every October 29, the organisation is calling on individuals, families, community leaders and organisations to support stroke-awareness efforts, stressing that knowing the warning signs and acting quickly could make the difference between survival, disability and death.
